‘Yes. Yesterday they let me sit with her for almost an hour. I talked to her about all the things she loves — the Brownies, the animals, and what Françoise has been up to. I even told her funny stories, but there was no response. Nothing at all.’

Will’s heart sank. ‘So, what’s next?’

‘Getting her home,’ Fauve said.

‘Ah.’

‘That’s why I’m here. They are moving her to the psychiatric wing tomorrow. They’ll do some tests there, and hopefully release her into the care of Dr Abrahams, the air force doctor. We could be airborne a week from today.’

‘That’s good, isn’t it?’ Will asked.

‘Yeah.’ Fauve hesitated. ‘Thing is, Will. I know that you’re her only relative, and . . . and I’m real sorry about this, but they don’t want you to see her before she goes.’

Will felt like a bucket of freezing water had been thrown in his face.

‘It’s to do with associations,’ Philip was saying. ‘You know, she associates you with the fen, and then, obviously, with what happened to her.’

While he had been alone, Will had been indulging in various fantasies in which he and Sophie were happily reunited. He had pictured himself in Canada, spending days at the lake with her, rowing, swimming, fishing. It was never going to happen.

‘Could I see her through the one-way glass, do you think?’ Will asked hopefully.

Fauve avoided his gaze. ‘Sorry, Will. Look, as soon as she is better . . .’ He stood up. ‘I have to go, things to organise. Will, I am so very sorry.’

‘Look after her, Philip.’ Will stepped forward and hugged him.

‘I’ll keep in touch, Will, I promise. And tell Kate we are thinking about her. Good luck.’

Will closed the door, turned the key and drew the bolt.

* * *

In the weeks that followed, the news from Canada was fairly encouraging. Back with her family, Sophie had emerged from her shell. But there were subjects that remained taboo, and sadly he was one of them. According to Annette, she was improving daily but there was little trace of the child that had embarked for England. She was nervous, moody and prone to rages that were followed by periods of black depression. Nevertheless, the doctors at the military hospital, where she was being treated as an outpatient, remained tentatively optimistic. It would just take time. She had never once mentioned her ordeal, or even her trip to England. It was as if she had never gone.

* * *

‘You may come and see Kate if you like, Mr Stonebridge. Tomorrow at two, if that is convenient?’

He chose his clothes with care, feeling like a youngster going on a first date. It had been three weeks since Kate had gone into the clinic. He had spoken on the phone with her a couple of times, but this would be his first visit. He longed to breathe her special scent of flowers.